Category: Book Reviews

The Night In Question

The Night In QuestionThe Night in Question (Agathas Mystery, #2) by Kathleen Glasgow, Liz Lawson
Published by Delacorte Press on May 30, 2023
ISBN: 0593645839
Pages: 416
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

“The Night in Question” by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson is the second book in the “Agathas” young adult mystery series. Fresh off the heels of solving the murder of a classmate, friends and amateur detectives Alice Ogilvie and Brooke Donovan find themselves in the middle of an attempted murder of a classmate. The story switches between Alice and Brooke’s points of view, interspersed with quotes from Agatha Christie mysteries. Adults reading the book may get frustrated by the fact that the teens often run headfirst into danger, but the plot is fast-paced and keeps things interesting. A recommended purchase for YA collections where mysteries are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Spice Road

Spice RoadSpice Road (Spice Road Trilogy, #1) by Maiya Ibrahim
on January 24, 2023
ISBN: 0593126963
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Imani, a teen girl with a magical affinity for metal that has made her one of the best fighters in her land goes on a journey to find her brother who disappeared years ago. “Spice Road” is an Arab-inspired fantasy adventure, where drinking tea made of a specific tree bark gives the drinker power over an element. Imani believed that her brother was dead, but after hearing from a djinn that her brother is alive, she leaves her magical land to find him. There are typical YA subplots, with plot twists and an enemies-to-lovers type romance. Themes of power and privilege have Imani reevaluating what she has been taught. Clunky dialogue and an awkward first-person POV detract from the interesting setting and world-building. A suggested additional purchase for a Young Adult library collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

The Wicked Bargain

The Wicked BargainThe Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
on February 28, 2023
ISBN: 0593378016
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“The Wicked Bargain” is a young adult novel by Gabe Cole Novoa, featuring a transmasc nonbinary protagonist. Mar is a pirate on their father’s ship, one of the most successful pirate ships due to a deal Mar’s father made with el Diablo. Unfortunately the bill comes due and el Diablo destroys the ship and all sailors with the exception of Mar. Pulled out of the water, Mar goes on a journey to get their father back and get vengeance on el Diablo.

Themes of acceptance, well-developed characters, and a genuinely LGBTQIA+ friendly world are this book’s strengths. The plot and romance feel a bit trope-y in the second half, but I still recommend purchasing this book for your library. We need more nonbinary protagonists in youth literature and this is a great addition to your YA collection.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Then Everything Happens at Once

Then Everything Happens at OnceThen Everything Happens at Once by M.E. Girard
Published by HarperTeen on January 31, 2023
ISBN: 0063206684
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
“Then Everything Happens at Once” is a young adult novel by M-E Girard, winner of a Labda Literary Award. The story focuses on Baylee, a plus-sized teen who has never been kissed, but now finds herself in a love triangle with a male crush and a female barista that she met online. Add in Covid at the height of the pandemic with all of the lockdowns and restrictions and the fact that Baylee’s sister is immunocompromised. All of this makes for a very angsty and anxiety-filled book.

Characters were realistic teens, with Baylee ignoring restrictions to see her crush and doing other not-fully-thought-out activities. Unfortunately, I found Baylee unlikable, which made the book very frustrating. Things the novel does well are the diverse characters, and showing Baylee’s emotions and thoughts. Sex-positive and showcasing a plus-sized main character, this book is a good additional purchase for YA collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

three-stars

Shakti

ShaktiShakti by Nabi H. Ali, S.J. Sindu
ISBN: 0063090139
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

“Shakti,” a middle grade graphic novel written by SJ Sindu and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali about a middle school girl named Shakti. Shakti and her mothers have moved for one of her mom’s jobs and now she is the new girl in school. As she tries to make friends and fit in, she notices something a little strange about the three most popular girls in the school and how they almost seem to have a power over the teachers and other students. Since one of Shakti’s mothers is a magic user, she tries to get her help in stopping the girls, but unleashes the power of the Hindu goddess Kali Ma instead.

Weaving in information about Hindu goddesses along with the idea that bullies are often bullied elsewhere in their lives, and that anger has its place and power, but we cannot let it consume us, this story will keep readers interested as to what will happen next. Middle schoolers will definitely see themselves in this story and hopefully will learn about emotions. The illustrations are bright and colorful and at times really detailed. They add to the power that this story has. Recommended for middle grade readers where graphic novels are popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

The Rules of Us

The Rules of UsThe Rules of Us by Jennifer Nissley
Published by Labyrinth Road on May 9, 2023
ISBN: 0593484894
Pages: 323
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Jillian and Henry have spent every minute together since becoming instant best friends as children, and have been dating for five years. Their present and their futures are planned down to the minute. They know each other’s every nuance perfectly. Then, on the night of junior prom, Henry comes out to Jill. Jill responds by…coming out, too.

The novel takes place over that summer, as they both find and date new people they are attracted to. But more than a story about their new relationships, it’s a story about how hard it is for them (especially Jilly, who narrates) to extricate themselves from their very enmeshed couple-hood.

While the premise is unusual, it’s also very specific, and so hard to imagine it being relatable to many readers. Moreover, the ease with which both teens find new romantic interests – particularly when they are not publicly out – does not feel very believable. At times, excessive teenage angst causes narration to drag.

If you are looking to build up your diversity shelf, this would be a fine addition, but is not a must-have.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

three-stars

Nic Blake and the Remarkables

Nic Blake and the RemarkablesNic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy (Nic Blake and the Remarkables #1) by Angie Thomas
Published by Balzer + Bray on April 4, 2023
ISBN: 0063225131
Pages: 354
Genres: Adventure, Cultural / African American, Fantasy, Folklore, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
A super fun trilogy-kicking-off novel that draws from African American history and folklore, classic fantasy adventure stories and current issues seamlessly, all while subversively riffing on modern fantasy tropes. Nic Blake has been raised by her single Black father outside of the magical community where most other Remarkables live. On her twelfth birthday, she asks – again – to be taught how to use the Gift, but as has happened every year, he puts it off. However, a chance encounter with her favorite author cracks open her world, and it turns out her dad was keeping more than just magical instruction from her – he was keeping her hidden from her whole large, powerful family and the world they inhabit. Worse, he’s accused of a crime she knows he did not commit, and it’s up to her, her newly discovered Remarkable brother, and her best friend PJ (an Unremarkable) to figure out how to save him – before it’s too late.

This book was nonstop enjoyment, full of action, suspense, tension, magic, sci-fi, silliness, and plot twists. At the same time there is a grounding in reality: the entire cast is Black, and readers confront real issues of racism, as seen through Nic’s brother, Alex’s, eyes. Having grown up in the Remarkable society, Alex has no concept of why Black people are treated differently in her world, while for Nic and her friend PJ, they have learned how to navigate that reality, and the resulting commentary is both critical and sobering. Supporting cast are well defined and likeably flawed, which provides depth to the primary storyline.

This is an easy book to highly recommend. It’s a unique, engaging and clever adventure that will keep the reader hooked, all with Thomas’ trademark wit and fierce, character-driven writing. For patrons who love audiobooks, the recorded version is excellent.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars

Dear Rosie

Dear RosieDear Rosie by Meghan Boehman, Rachael Briner
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on July 11, 2023
ISBN: 059357186X
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
Millie and her friends have not yet processed the death of their friend Rosie. As they head back to school, they find themselves getting upset over little things like another student sitting in what had always been Rosie’s chair. They seem to be always arguing and spending less time together. Claire spends too much time talking with strangers online and runs away to meet her boyfriend. The group must come together to find Claire. Millie finds a sketchbook that may have been Rosie’s that helps her to find a way that she and her friends can remember Rosie. This gentle graphic novel uses animals – deer, mouse, fox, etc. – for the characters which serves to soften the heavy topic of loss and grief for younger readers. The classic signs of grief are illustrated by the friends as they experience depression, anger, poor decision-making, and ultimately something resembling acceptance. This is a beautiful book but not quite Cream as I think there may be a smaller audience than a typical graphic novel.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

The Grimoire of Grave Fates

The Grimoire of Grave FatesThe Grimoire of Grave Fates by Hanna Alkaf, Margaret Owen
on June 6, 2023
ISBN: 0593427459
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Eighteen YA authors contributed sequential stories to this whodunit set in a school for magic. When universally despised Professor Dropwort of Galileo Academy for magical students was found murdered, an investigation revealed a large suspect pool of students and faculty. Galileo Academy claims to welcome all students – from those with a variety of magical abilities to those of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds – and demonstrates this by moving the school each month to dock in a different location around the world. Dropwort was an equal opportunity bigot who left many enemies behind. Dropwort felt so entitled, he frequently confiscated valuable family artifacts from his students. The editors did a superb job of weaving the stories into one single narrative. The book builds to an exciting climax and readers will find the denouement surprising and satisfying. For upper middle school and high school readers.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

You Are Here: Connecting Flights

You Are Here: Connecting FlightsYou Are Here: Connecting Flights by Ellen Oh
Published by Allida/HarperCollins on March 7, 2023
ISBN: 0063239086
Pages: 251
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Short Stories
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Twelve intertwined short stories written by and about Asian Americans, set in an overcrowded Chicago airport during the height of the COVID pandemic. A combination of stormy weather and an incident at TSA, which occurs in the first story, create delayed and cancelled flights, and tempers among many travelers run high.

Each chapter follows a different young person as they navigate their identity as being Asian and American through scenes of both subtle and overt racism. The beauty of the interwoven stories becomes apparent as main characters from one pop into another: often with just a glance or a smile, but all the same, providing solidarity and support to other kids who are otherwise strangers, when they most need to know that they are not alone.

A really wonderful read from an amazing group of authors. The seamless connections between stories made the whole flow perfectly; but the twelve distinct voices gave every character their own unique identity. An easy book to put in readers’ hands.

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

five-stars